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We Remember

October marked the 100th Anniversary of the Poppy.

Over the past 2 weeks, we have encountered Veterans and volunteers standing/sitting at tables with, or holding, boxes of bright red poppies. We stop, observe, and many will deposit a donation with a sense of reverence to assist the veterans and their families: and well, we should.

This week, I was honoured to share in leading a Remembrance Service at a local seniors’ care home. Each time I have this privilege, I profit in yet another anecdote from those who lived closer to the experience of war: its effects on those who served, and those who have lived with those who served. This time, it was to hear a gentleman share how he had 5 brothers who all served overseas during WWII. He expressed his thanksgiving for all of them returning home—alive (his word).

Each year communities gather to show respect, and honour our veterans. The veterans number in the thousands. Each year there are fewer from WWI and WWII in attendance.

Each year there are also new faces. These are the faces of those who have served since the end of WWII.

Each year we will continue to remember, reflect and respect.

As we gather, and as I have gathered with the Royal Canadian Legion to plan for November 11th, I am astonished at the energy in the room. The oldest of the veterans excel in their energy and commitment, which began with their training.

Within this astonishment, I reflect on our own Christian life and our rites of remembrance, thanksgiving and prayer. I am mindful of the ‘yeast’ of our faith. Jesus reminded the community, often, with the symbol of yeast—that common leaven used in baking to give life to the bread. Yeast—leaven—needs to be rebirthed with each use.  Some would say that you need to ‘feed it’.

The same is true of our spiritual lives. The yeast of the spirit—of our baptism—needs to be filled, fed, and rebirthed, regularly. We Christians are fortunate in our opportunities to remember, reflect and respect every week, and not just once a year.

The weekly act of stopping to reflect comes in the context of the Holy Eucharist. (The Prayer over the Gifts is also referred to as The Great Thanksgiving). As you take a moment to read those words of Eucharistic Prayer, in either the BAS or the BCP, you will rediscover the inclusive nature of our giving thanks to God for the great gift we were given: the gift of everlasting life through His Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Blessings,

Rev. Brian+